Hallowed Grounds Coffee Shop, Tabernash

3530 County Road 83
Tabernash, Colorado
970-726-5632

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Hallowed Grounds Coffee Shop is the resident caffeine spot of Devil's Thumb Ranch.  Devil's Thumb opened as a vacation destination in 1946 and since been offering a array of activities from horse back riding, sled rides, ice skating, hikes, and nordic skiing.  Nestled snugly in the Frasier Valley, the Ranch is surrounded by amazing mountain views.  These views are what their cafe looks out over.

When we were there the other day, we could see the seam rising from the out door sauna as it disappeared into the bright blue sky.  On the ice skating pond, a newly married couple were taking some new photos to commemorate their special day.  I ate a turkey, bacon, and swiss sandwhich while my father had a roast beef and portobello wrap.  Coincidentally, everyone who was in the cafe that day was a University of Colorado Buff alumni, student, or faculty member which of course sparked heated conversations and a conclusion that this is where the CU Buffs must always meet.

Coffee Connection, Amsterdam

Nieuwezijds Kolk 33, 1012 PV
 Amsterdam, Netherlands

 There is a very distinct difference between a coffeeshop and a coffeehouse in Amsterdam. The former sells espresso but most notably it sells marajuana. The later is a real espresso bar and cafe... minus the weed and tobacco.  Coffee Connection is about 500m from Central Station, right next to a Yellow Bike rental station or the Nieuwezijds Kolk tram stop.

The owner Dave, runs a friendly one man show with a steady flow of locals and tourists. The upstairs is narrow and cozy, reflective in most Amsterdam restaurants and architecture.

Operating a La Marzocco Linea espresso machine, I came back twice to cappuccinos. His butter croissants were the perfect blend of soft, fluffy insides, without being overly buttery and dense.

Arcadi Cafe, Brussels

Rue d'Arenberg 1B,
1000 Brussels, Belgium

Belgium is full of Belgium waffles, Belgium french fries, mussels, and chocolate. So, the tarts, cakes, and full menu at the Aradi Cafe was wonderful.

The cafe is at the end of the Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen Shopping Plaza, making it a perfect stop for a caffe lungo pick me up after some fantastic shopping.  I had the raspberry torte... Fresh raspberries on top of cheese cake, on a crispy crust. It paired quite nicely with my cappuccino too.

Bagels & Beans, Amsterdam

Van Baerlestraat 40

1071 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

While it may go against the independent vibe of this blog, Bagels & Beans, an Amsterdam chain of eateries is unique in that each location sources all of its food as locally and sustainably as possible.  They are also the only chain restaurant or cafe I've ever been into that uses a fully manual espresso machine.

Bagels & Beans serves two drinks that I found are unique to this area in Northern Europe. Fresh mint tea and hot milk with chocolate chips.

Askum Coffee, Brussels

Askum Coffee House

Rue des Eperonniers 60, 1000
Brussels, Belgium

www.askumcoffeehouse.com

Coffee culture in Belgium is a bit lacking. Sure many bakeries and cafes have cappuccinos and espressos on their menus and more people order straight espresso than coffee (unlike Americans). But often, that espresso is going to come out of a fully automatic machine and texture and air in the milk foam is inconsistent, if existent at all.

That is why when I came across Askum Coffee House in Brussels I was very surprised. The owner, Askum, does his own micro roasting straight from is tiny store front. He exclusively carries beans from Ethiopia and works in only four or five roast varieties at a time.  His baristas work on a La Marzocco Linea, which is like a Cadillac of espresso machines. And given that I had yet to see a good semi-manual or fully manual machine yet in Brussels, I was heartened. Even better, they know how to work it well!  Good creama, good foam, good drinks!

Boyer's Coffee, Denver

Boyer's Coffee
7295 Washington St.
Denver, CO
(303) 289-3345

www.boyerscoffee.com

I was in a strange part of Denver, south of Thorton, just north of many warehouses. I needed a relaxing place for a small bite and refreshing drink away from the 90 degree heat.

After recently renovating their old school house building, the revamped Boyer's Coffee is a beautiful building with rustic and modern vibes. The coffee is roasted on site and there was so many private and comfortable spots  to relax in. My good companion, Rook the Dog was even treated to a lounge and biscuit so she didn't have to pant outside in the heat.

I managed a quick conversation with the manager about the history of the company. Family owned since 1965, Bill Boyer originally started the company from his apartment. Inside his small abode he roasted coffee for near by offices and businesses. The business has since expanded and now has the cafe and a coffee service to many businesses across Colorado. It is still family owned and the staff do did their best to make everyone feel the family vibe.

The Market, Denver

1445 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80202

In bustling Larimar Square is The Market, equally busy and just as unique and creative.  In addition to the most extensive (if slightly overwhelming) selection of hot dishes and sandwiches, The Market also hosts a cafe bar.

The cafe does the sizing right! Single or Double, none of this vente, grande stuff. And the pastries, especially the cream puff are bigger than your head.  No really, they are bigger than your head.

Since coming here originally, I have brought multiple friends and family to this place when we pass through Denver. It has so much variety that every diet and pallet can be pleased. 

But the atmosphere of the Market is what makes this place truly unique... Merchantile goods of old line the walls and when walking around the sandwich/hot food station, you're in and out and around their working space which makes you feel like you're personally a part of the atmosphere that people come to experience.